Ima Thompson Parham

Ima Thompson Parham, 91, of Russellville, formerly of Atkins, died Sunday March 8, 2009, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville. She was born June 14, 1917, in Jerusalem, AR, and was the daughter of the late Marion A. and Ora Lee Thompson. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Yvonne Janice; her loving husband of 63 years, Emmett Parham; and a son-in-law, Rick Jackson. In the early 30’s she taught at Mt. Zion School in Jerusalem and later moved to California. In 1962, her family moved back to Atkins where they operated the P & T Market for several years before moving to Russellville. She was a member of the Atkins First Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include a devoted daughter, Dixie Jackson of Russellville; a grandson, Jason Miller and fiancé. Mandy Goldman, of Katy, Texas, and a great-grandson, Fe’de Ashton Smith of Louisiana; a brother, Paul Q. Thompson and his wife, Alma Jean; and three very special nieces and their families; Debbie and Randall Sanders and children, John and Kristie: Paula and Dennis Weaver and children, Lindsay, Sara and Jeremy; Kathie and Phillip Bourne and children, Matthew, Amber and Marlie; three step-grandchildren and their families including seven great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from 1:00-2:00 PM at Lemley Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Joey Hanna officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Jerusalem by Lemley Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Jason Miller, Fe’de Smith, Joe Miller, Randall Sanders, Dennis Weaver and Phillip Bourne. Honorary pallbearers will be A. O. Thompson, Paul Wayne Thompson and Brad Thompson. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Paul Thompson, 202 S. Fairbanks Ave., Russellville, AR 72801.